Sheet-metal receptacle



(No Model.)

G. MILLER. SHEET METAL REOEPTAOLE.

Patented Dec. 7, 1897.

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GEORGE MILLER, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

SH EET-M ETAL RECEPTAC LE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 595,024, dated. December 7, 1897.

Application filed February 23, 1897. Serial No. 624,506. (No model.) I

To aZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, GEORGE MILLER, a resident of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sheet-Metal Receptacles; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to an improvement in sheet-metal receptacles, such as tin boxes or cans for the reception of condensed milk, meat, sardines, dad, and more particularly to means whereby to facilitate the opening of the receptacle, the object of the invention being to so construct and arrange the receptacle that it can be readily opened without leaving rough edges and without destroying the functions of the lid or cover as such.

\Vith this object in view the invention 0011- sists in certain novel features of construction and combinations and arrangements of parts, as hereinafter set forth, and pointed out in the claim.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view of a can or box, showing my improvements. Fig. 2 is a sectional view; and Fig. 3 is a view of a rectangular sardine-box, showing the application of my invention thereto. Fig. 4 is a view showing the appearance of the parts with the cover removed.

A represents a sheet-metal receptacle which may be made cylindrical in form, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4., or rectangular, as shown in Fig. 3, or of any other desired form.

The body of the receptacle is provided near its upper edge with an outwardly-projecting head 1, and above this head the body of the receptacle is made with an inwardly-projecting bead 2, whereby to form an external groove 3.

The cover 4 of the receptacle is made with a depending flange 5, in proximity to the free edge of which an external bead 6 is made. when the cover is first applied to the receptacle, the free edge of the flange 5 will rest on the external bead 1 on the body of the receptacle and will be soldered thereto. The bead 1 is of importance in that it enables me to securely seal the cover with the use of a very small amount of solder, thus resulting not only in economy but presenting a very neat appearance, which would not be accomplished were the cover soldered to the body of the receptacle without the bead 1. When the cover is thus secured in position on the body of the receptacle, the top of the bead 6 on the cover will be in line with the groove 3 in the body of the receptacle. In order to indicate where the knife is to enter, a slight depression 7 is made at the upper edge of the bead 6. This depression will preferably be made to extend entirely around the flange of the cover, although, if desired, it may be made only at one point on said flange. The knife or other tool to be used in opening the receptacle will be inserted through the depression 7 at the upper edge of the bead 6, the groove 3 forming a space in which the knife can enter and thus make it possible to out the cover without cutting the body of the can. The groove 3 also serves to guide the point of the knife, so that when the cover shall have been detached the lower edge of the flange 5 thereof will present a clean smooth edge. Thus after the cover shall have been removed as above explained it may be replaced and will still effectually perform all its functions as a cover for the receptacle.

My improvements are simple in construction and effectual in all respects in the performance of their functions.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- The combination with a can or receptacle having an outwardly-projecting annular bead 1 and bent inwardly above this head to form the annular groove 3, of a cover the flange of which is adapted to encircle the upper portion of the can or receptacle and rest at its edge upon the bead 1, said flange provided with an outwardly-bent annular bead 6 located opposite the groove 3 when the cover is in place, and a depression 7 above said bead 6 forming a guide for the oan-opener and the space adapted to receive its end.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

GEORGE MILLER. Witnesses:

A. J. SCOPINIOH, OHAs'S. W. BOULDIN. 

